SMF wrote:

Hi,

I bought a book plus spent a number of hours on the computer to
research and I hope someone can help me with just a few very basic
questions I still have:

1. I have a 100 amp service. If I turn off the main circuit breaker
can I change for instance a 20 amp breaker without worry of shock if I
don't touch anything else other than the breaker and the wire that
needs to be unscrewed? (I have a few that don't match my GE panel and
I heard that they should)

2. I had an electrician once run an extra outlet but in looking a few
years later I see that he ran 14/2 cable after attaching this to 12/2
running off a 20 amp breaker. This line either powers a treadmill
(runs on a "115 vac dedicated 20 amp {15 amp] circuit") or a iron.
The receptacle is 15amp which I believe is fine with either, but
should I swap the cable to 12/2 for safety?

3. I also have similar to question two above (14/2, connected to
12/2) going to a GPF in a garage that the same guy did. Do they make
a 20 amp GPF and should I switch the cable and the receptacle in this
instance too?

4. Can you run a series of five 15 amp receptacles for a workbench in
an unfinished basement running on 12/2 on a 20 amp GPF breaker?

I really appreciate all your help!!

Best Regards,
Steven
Hi,
First, don't get caught up with numbers too much. How many times do you
think 15A outlet will draw full 15A constantly when a device is plugged
in? Breaker is safety device, when things are not right, it'll trip.
Electrician did the wiring few years ago, ever breaker tripped? Ever had
trouble? What does it say? Within the code, common sense prevaials.
Knowledge without experience is useless or even dangerous. Catch 22,
you gain experience by doing......